Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 2-amino-1-aroylnaphthalene and 2-hydroxy-1-aroylnaphthalenes as potent antitubulin agents.

A series of aroylnaphthalene derivatives were prepared as bioisosteres of combrestatin A-4 and evaluated for anticancer activity. 2-Amino-1-aroylnaphthalene and 2-hydroxy-1-aroylnaphthalene, 9 and 8, respectively, showed strong antiproliferative activity with IC50 values of 2.1-26.3 nM against a panel of human cancer cell lines including multiple-drug resistant cell line. Compound 9 demonstrated better antiproliferative activity and has a comparable tubulin binding efficacy as that of colchicine.